Charlie Melancon on Tax Reform

Democratic Representative (LA-3)

Immediate tax relief for middle-class families

What middle-class families need, said Melancon, "is immediate tax relief, not a devastating new sales tax on the things they buy every day. And what would a new 30% tax on farm equipment, shrimp boats, and trucks do for our small family businesses who
are already struggling? This radical tax scheme just doesn't add up for Louisiana families. We can't raise taxes on those who can least afford it. Hard-working Louisiana families need tax cuts to help their pocketbooks, and to help our economy."

Source: Campaign Website, MelanconforCongress.org
Nov 2, 2004

Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends.

Vote to reduce federal spending by $56.1 billion over five years by retaining a reduced tax rate on capital gains and dividends, as well as.

Decreasing the number of people that will be required to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

Allowing for deductions of state and local general sales taxes through 2007 instead of 2006

Lengthening tax credits for research expenses

Increasing the age limit for eligibility for food stamp recipients from 25 to 35 years

Continuing reduced tax rates of 15% and 5% on capital gains and dividends through 2010

Extending through 2007 the expense allowances for environmental remediation costs (the cost of cleanup of sites where petroleum products have been released or disposed)